Tag: fantasy romance

Book Review: The Rose in the Shadows (House of Hyrax #1) by Arcadia Rayne

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 425 pages
Author: Arcadia Rayne
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: April 11th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

“I was not created to back down”

When you’re the last Descendant of the most hated God in all the realms, who can you trust?

Theadora Moore, with no memories of her past life, arrives at the Athenian Palace with magic in her veins and a mark on her chest branding her the last living Descendant of Hyrax, God of the Dead. After seeing her as an opportunity to bolster his nations power, Prince Clayton Vail forces her into a role she never wanted. But when mysterious attacks plague the castle, it becomes clear that not everyone is thrilled about the return of House Hyrax.

To stay alive and uncover her past, Thea must master her powers, navigate treacherous court politics, and decide who she can trust in a castle brimming with the children of Gods.

In this world of magic and intrigue, friendships are fragile, and enemies lurk at every turn. As Thea and Clayton’s fates become increasingly entwined, their icy hostility starts to thaw, igniting a slow-burn romance that will change the realms forever.

The House of Hyrax series is an action-packed slow-burn romance filled with magic and political intrigue, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and Red Queen.

LOST INTEREST.

This started off well and I was interested in the story unfolding, but as the book went on I started to lose interest or care for anything happening. I feel like aspects such as the romance weren’t well developed and even though it is a slow burn, the couple didn’t spend enough time together for Thea to be declaring she was in love.

And the antagonists were plain. The “bad” king was lack luster and trying too hard. I liked when the meddling gods came into play because I felt like the stakes actually rose at that point. I didn’t mind Thea as the FMC, though the more I think about it, she did go along with everything so easily and I wish there was more pushback.

There’s some intriguing moments and there is a decent amount of action. It’s not unnecessarily long or drawn out, I just think different pieces could have used a little more. I don’t think I’ll continue this series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: 1 almost open door
  • Violence: high
  • Content Warnings: assault, murder, near death experiences, torture

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ARC Book Review: The Legacy of Ophelia (The Curse of Ophelia #5) by Nicole Platania

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 750 pages
Author: Nicole Platania
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: August 7th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A forgotten myth resurrected. A legacy to conquer them all.

Ophelia and Malakai have been ripped from their loved ones and are at the mercy of a vengeful god.

But they quickly discover that in order to uncover secrets buried among realms, that may be precisely where they need to be. Even if it jeopardizes all they have fought to become.

Meanwhile, their friends receive a surprise visit from a potential ally that spurs them to rekindle partnerships, deny the bounds of power, and push love to the brink of destruction.

With myths resurrected and the very fabric of Ambrisk at risk, can the warriors survive their final battle against the deities? Or are they fated to become the legends stories are written of?

Everything culminates in this high-stakes, realm-shattering conclusion to the Epic Romantic Fantasy series, the Curse of Ophelia. With a loveable found family, scorching slow burn romances, and inspiration from Greek mythology, this series introduces a universe full of twisted lore and ancient battles that is perfect for fans of Chloe C Penaranda, Sarah J Maas, and Melissa K Roehrich.

MADE IT.

I miss the era of longer series and I loved that this has five books (+ a novella) with so many characters to love and appreciate. Each book was genuinely solid. NP crafted an incredible world with an amazing magic system and storylines I was deeply attached to reading.

I won’t go into much detail here because I don’t want to lead into any spoilers. But I’ll be CLEAR, you should absolutely read this series. Especially if you’ve been chasing the high of Throne of Glass ever since you finished the series. It is in no way a copycat, it just has the vibes in all the best ways.

The length of this one got to me a little bit (which could have been a mood thing so take that with a grain of salt). Otherwise, I don’t have any complaints. I loved seeing where all of these pairs ended up, there were so many memorable, soul-binding scenes and the antagonist got their due. The roller coaster of emotions was stellar. I can’t wait to read NP’s next series.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: mild – moderate
  • Romance: 4-5ish open door
  • Violence: high
  • Content notes: abuse (mental/emotional), loss of loved ones, mild blood/gore, torture, assault, PTSD

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Book Review: The Curse of Sins (The Curse of Saints #2) by Kate Dramis

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Rating: ★★★☆
Audience: Fantasy Romance
Length: 640 pages
Author: Kate Dramis
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: June 25th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

STAY ANCHORED IN THE LIGHT, THEY TOLD HER. BUT WHAT HAD THE LIGHT EVER DONE FOR HER?

After discovering she’s prophesied to save the realm, Aya’s duty should be clear: return home with once-sworn enemy Will to serve their queen in the coming war against a rival kingdom…one whose pursuit of dark magic could bring the realm to its knees.

But with part of the prophecy still undiscovered, and their queen’s intentions increasingly suspect, Aya’s very purpose is quickly brought into question. With betrayal lurking around every corner, she and Will are forced to lie, manipulate, and hide what they’ve become to one another as they struggle to learn the truth before dark magic destroys them all.

And with secrets and lies trailing Aya wherever she goes, she has to wonder…do the gods truly want her to save the realm…or simply watch it burn?

TOOK TOO LONG.

I feel like everything in this book took too long to accomplish. Most of these characters were having the same thought throughout but weren’t actually getting anywhere to get it done until near the end when I was like FINALLY.

The romance continued well. I liked it overall. There’s good tension while still working together and figuring each other out. And I do like Aya and Will as complex characters. I mostly like the other point of view characters too. So while the book isn’t bad and has good bones and good moments, the length of this sucker started to wear on me. I hope the next book changes the pace a bit to move things around rather than feel stagnant.

Overall audience notes:

  • Fantasy Romance
  • Language: high
  • Romance: 3+ open door
  • Violence: high

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Monthly Reading Wrap-Up: July 2025

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SHUT UP ABOUT THE SUN.

I will never stop using that quote. This is the lowest amount of reading I have done in a long time! And that’s okay. There was a LOOOOT of life happening and I needed to focus on that. Luckily the majority of these books were great. Some reviews are out now and others will be out soon!

  • Sunrise Nights by Jeff Zentner
  • Into the Abyss (Into the Churn #3) by Hayley Reese Chow
  • The Nightblood Prince by Molly X. Chang
  • [ARC] Wes and Addie Had Their Chance by Bethany Turner
  • [ARC] All’s Well that Friends Well (Lucky in Love #2) by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
  • Heir of Storms (Storm Weaver #1) by Lauren Hamilton Murray
  • Let’s Make a Scene (Theo & Cynthie #2) by Laura Wood
  • A Tongue so Sweet and Deadly (Compelling Fates Saga #1) by Sophia St. Germain
  • Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
  • [ARC] Of the Curse of the Crown (The Veridian Empire #2) by V.B. Lacey
  • [ARC/ALC] Chasing Shelter (Sparrow Falls #5) by Catherine Cowles
  • Into the Dark (Magnolia Parks Universe #5) by Jessa Hastings
  • [ALC] The Enchanted Greenhouse (Spellshop #2) by Sarah Beth Durst
  • [ARC] A Tartan Love (The Earls of Cairnfell #1) by Nichole Van
  • [ARC/ALC] Steel & Spellfire by Laura E. Weymouth
  • Wicked Sea and Sky (Curse of Ever #1) by Jenna Collett
  • The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed #1) by Brigitte Knightley
  • Pros Don’t (Fall in Love #4) by Leah Dobrinska
  • Lore of the Tides (Lore of the Wilds #2) by Analeigh Sbrana
  • [ARC] If All Else Sails by Emma St. Clair
  • [ARC/ALC] Soulmatch by Rebecca Danzenbaker
  • Family of Liars (We Were Liars #2) by E. Lockhart
  • [Reread] Gilded Serpent (Dark Shores #3) by Danielle L. Jensen
  • Soulgazer (The Magpie and the Wolf Duology #1) by Maggie Rapier
  • Wandering Wild by Lynette Noni
  • Trial of Bronze and Blood (Bronze and Blood Saga #1) by M.K. Deoradhan
  • Keeper of the Lost Cities The Graphic Novel: Part 1 by Shannon Messenger
  • Of Flame and Fury by Mikayla Bridge
  • [ARC/ALC] Falling Into Place by Allison Ashley
  • A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna

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